List of Chicago Bulls seasons explained

The Chicago Bulls are a National Basketball Association (NBA) team based in Chicago, Illinois. Dick Klein founded the Bulls in 1966 after a number of other professional basketball teams in Chicago had failed.[1] In their 53 seasons, the Bulls have achieved a winning record 25 times, and have appeared in the NBA playoffs 35 times.[2] They received international recognition in the 1990s when All-Star shooting guard Michael Jordan led them to their six league championships.[3] The only three NBA franchises that have won more championships than the Bulls are the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers (17 Championships each), and the Golden State Warriors with 7. The Bulls are the only NBA franchise as of 2022 to have a combination of multiple championships and zero losses in the NBA Finals (the San Antonio Spurs are the closest other franchise to this mark, but the 2013 Finals loss to Miami has given the Spurs an all-time Finals record of 5–1).

The Bulls initially competed in the NBA's Western Division. The Western Division was renamed the Western Conference in 1970, and was split into the Midwest and Pacific Divisions. The Bulls played in the Midwest Division until 1980, when they moved to the Central Division of the Eastern Conference.[2]

History of the Bulls

Early years

During their inaugural season (1966–67), the Bulls compiled a 33–48 record under coach Johnny "Red" Kerr and reached the playoffs. This was the best record achieved by an NBA expansion team in its first year of play, a feat which earned Kerr the NBA Coach of the Year Award. Dick Motta replaced Kerr in 1969, and under his leadership, the Bulls appeared in the playoffs every year from 1970 to 1975. The team reached the Western Conference finals in 1974 and 1975, but lost to the Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors, respectively. Key players during the Motta era included Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, Chet Walker, Norm Van Lier, and Tom Boerwinkle.[4] Revered basketball writer Bob Ryan wrote that Sloan and Van Lier comprised the "physically and mentally toughest NBA backcourt" he ever saw.

The Bulls qualified for the playoffs just twice between 1976 and 1984, a period in which the team used eight different head coaches, including former player Jerry Sloan.[5] They had a chance to win the first pick of the 1979 NBA draft, which would have allowed them to select future Hall of Famer Magic Johnson. However, they lost a coin flip to the Los Angeles Lakers, and went on to choose David Greenwood with the second pick. Although Greenwood averaged 12.6 points over six seasons with the Bulls, he never became an NBA All-Star.[6] During this period the Bulls were perhaps best known for being led by former-ABA star Artis Gilmore and Reggie Theus, both of whom were multiple time All-Stars with the Bulls.[7]

Jordan era

The Bulls' luck turned for the better after selecting Michael Jordan with the third overall pick in the 1984 NBA draft.[4] Considered the greatest basketball player of all time by NBA.com,[8] Jordan averaged 28.2 points per game during his first season and received the 1985 NBA Rookie of the Year Award. From 1985 onwards, the Bulls reached the playoffs every season he was on the team's roster despite having had a losing record in each of his first three years. Jordan could not lead the Bulls past the first round of the playoffs by himself losing to the champion Celtics and in 1987 general manager Jerry Krause acquired Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant at that summer's draft. In 1989, the Bulls played in their first conference finals series since 1975, losing to the Detroit Pistons. Coach Phil Jackson, an assistant since 1987, succeeded Doug Collins as head coach after that season and in 1991, the team won their first of three consecutive NBA championships by defeating Magic Johnson and the Lakers.[4] Then they won two more consecutive titles in 1992 and 1993 after which Michael Jordan retired.

Although the Bulls signed European standout Toni Kukoč to help alleviate the loss, despite only two less wins from the year before, they could not extend their championship streak, falling short in hard fought 7 games battle to the New York Knicks in the 1994 Eastern Conference semifinals. The Bulls lost Horace Grant, who signed with the Orlando Magic as a free agent during the summer of 1994.[4] However, Jordan returned to the Bulls in March 1995 and lost in 1995 NBA Playoff despite posting one of his best numbers and close to his playoff average and with the added help of rebounding specialist Dennis Rodman, the team won three more championships from 1996 to 1998.[8] The Bulls won a then-record 72 regular season games (out of 82)[9] and are widely regarded as one of the greatest teams in NBA history.[10]

Post-Jordan era

After the Bulls won their sixth championship, Phil Jackson was not re-signed and spent some time away from basketball. Michael Jordan then announced his second retirement, because general manager Jerry Krause wanted to begin rebuilding the roster with younger athletes. Six players from the 1997–98 Bulls (Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Steve Kerr, Luc Longley, Jud Buechler,[4] and Scott Burrell[11]) joined other teams through free agency or sign-and-trade deals, and with few established players left on the roster, the Bulls missed the 1999 playoffs. This began a six-year playoff drought, the longest such drought in team history.[4]

The Bulls showed signs of improvement after hiring coach Scott Skiles in 2003, reaching the playoffs in 2005, 2006, and 2007. Some of the primary contributors on those teams were Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, and Kirk Hinrich.[4] The Bulls' new playoff streak ended in 2008, when the team finished fourth in their division with a 33–49 record. After the season, the team hired a new coach, Vinny Del Negro.[12] The Bulls' poor record did help them win the 2008 NBA draft lottery, which allowed them to select Derrick Rose with the first pick in the NBA draft.[13] [14] They made the 2009 NBA playoffs, only to lose in a seven-game series against the Boston Celtics which included a record seven overtime periods.[15] In 2010, Del Negro was replaced by Tom Thibodeau, and the Bulls reached the 2011 Eastern Conference finals, losing to the Miami Heat in five games.[16]

Table key

ASG MVPAll-Star Game Most Valuable Player
COYCoach of the Year
DPOYDefensive Player of the Year
FinishFinal position in league or division standings
GBGames behind first-place team in division
LossesNumber of regular season losses
EOYExecutive of the Year
FMVPFinals Most Valuable Player
MVPMost Valuable Player
ROYRookie of the Year
SIXSixth Man of the Year
SPORSportsmanship Award
WinsNumber of regular season wins

Seasons

Note: Statistics are correct as of the .

NBA champions Conference champions Division champions Playoff berthPlay-in berth
SeasonTeamConferenceFinishDivisionFinishWinsLossesWin%GBPlayoffsAwardsHead coach
Western4th3348.40711Lost Division semifinals (Hawks) 3–0[17] Johnny Kerr
(COY)
Johnny Kerr
Western4th2953.35427Lost Division semifinals (Lakers) 4–1[18]
Western5th3349.40222Dick Motta
Western3rd3943.4769Lost Division semifinals (Hawks) 4–1[19]
Western3rdMidwest2nd5131.6222Lost conference semifinals (Lakers) 4–3[20] Dick Motta
(COY)
Western3rdMidwest2nd5725.6956Lost conference semifinals (Lakers) 4–0[21]
Western3rdMidwest2nd5131.6229Lost conference semifinals (Lakers) 4–3[22]
Western3rdMidwest2nd5428.6599Won conference semifinals (Pistons) 4–3
Lost conference finals (Bucks) 4–0[23]
Western2ndMidwest1st4735.573Won conference semifinals (Kings) 4–2
Lost conference finals (Warriors) 4–3[24]
Western9thMidwest4th2458.29314
Western6th Midwest3rd4438.5376Lost First round (Trail Blazers) 2–1[25] Ed Badger
Western8thMidwest3rd4042.4888
Western11thMidwest5th3151.37817Larry Costello
Scotty Robertson
Western9thMidwest4th3052.36619Jerry Sloan
Eastern5thCentral2nd4537.54915Won First round (Knicks) 2–0
Lost conference semifinals (Celtics) 4–0[26]
Eastern9thCentral5th3448.41521Jerry Sloan
Phil Johnson
Rod Thorn
Eastern9thCentral4th2854.34123Paul Westhead
Eastern10thCentral5th2755.32923Kevin Loughery
Eastern7thCentral3rd3844.46321Lost First round (Bucks) 3–1[27] Michael Jordan
(ROY)
Eastern8thCentral4th3052.36627Lost First round (Celtics) 3–0[28] Stan Albeck
Eastern8thCentral5th4042.48817Lost First round (Celtics) 3–0[29] Doug Collins
Eastern3rdCentral2nd5032.6104Won First round (Cavaliers) 3–2
Lost conference semifinals (Pistons) 4–1[30]
Michael Jordan
(MVP, DPOY, ASG MVP)
Jerry Krause (EOY)
Eastern6thCentral5th4735.57316Won First round (Cavaliers) 3–2
Won conference semifinals (Knicks) 4–2
Lost conference finals (Pistons) 4–2[31]
Eastern3rdCentral2nd5527.6714Won First round (Bucks) 3–1
Won conference semifinals (76ers) 4–1
Lost conference finals (Pistons) 4–3[32]
Phil Jackson
Eastern1stCentral1st6121.744Won First round (Knicks) 3–0
Won conference semifinals (76ers) 4–1
Won conference finals (Pistons) 4–0
Won NBA Finals (Lakers) 4–1[33]
Michael Jordan
(MVP, FMVP)
Eastern1stCentral1st6715.817Won First round (Heat) 3–0
Won conference semifinals (Knicks) 4–3
Won conference finals (Cavaliers) 4–2
Won NBA Finals (Trail Blazers) 4–2[34]
Michael Jordan
(MVP, FMVP)
Eastern2ndCentral1st5725.695Won First round (Hawks) 3–0
Won conference semifinals (Cavaliers) 4–0
Won conference finals (Knicks) 4–2
Won NBA Finals (Suns) 4–2[35]
Michael Jordan
(FMVP)
Eastern3rdCentral2nd5527.6712Won First round (Cavaliers) 3–0
Lost conference semifinals (Knicks) 4–3[36]
Scottie Pippen
(ASG MVP)
Eastern5thCentral3rd4735.5735Won First round (Hornets) 3–1
Lost conference semifinals (Magic) 4–2[37]
Eastern1stCentral1st7210.878Won First round (Heat) 3–0
Won conference semifinals (Knicks) 4–1
Won conference finals (Magic) 4–0
Won NBA Finals (SuperSonics) 4–2[38]
Michael Jordan
(MVP, FMVP, ASG MVP)
Phil Jackson (COY)
Jerry Krause (EOY)
Toni Kukoč (SIX)
[39]
Eastern1stCentral1st6913.841Won First round (Bullets) 3–0
Won conference semifinals (Hawks) 4–1
Won conference finals (Heat) 4–1
Won NBA Finals (Jazz) 4–2[40]
Michael Jordan
(FMVP)
Eastern1stCentral1st6220.756Won First round (Nets) 3–0
Won conference semifinals (Hornets) 4–1
Won conference finals (Pacers) 4–3
Won NBA Finals (Jazz) 4–2[41]
Michael Jordan
(MVP, FMVP, ASG MVP)
Eastern15thCentral8th1337.26020Tim Floyd
Eastern15thCentral8th1765.20739Elton Brand (ROY)
Eastern15thCentral8th1567.18337
Eastern15thCentral8th2161.25629Tim Floyd
Bill Berry
Bill Cartwright
Eastern12thCentral6th3052.36620Bill Cartwright
Eastern14thCentral8th2359.28038Bill Cartwright
Pete Myers
Scott Skiles
Eastern4thCentral2nd4735.5737Lost First round (Wizards) 4–2[42] Ben Gordon (SIX)Scott Skiles
Eastern7thCentral4th4141.50023Lost First round (Heat) 4–2[43]
Eastern5thCentral3rd4933.5984Won First round (Heat) 4–0
Lost conference semifinals (Pistons) 4–2[44]
Luol Deng (SPOR)
Eastern11thCentral4th3349.40226Scott Skiles
Pete Myers
Jim Boylan
Eastern7thCentral2nd4141.50025Lost First round (Celtics) 4–3Derrick Rose (ROY)[45] Vinny Del Negro
Eastern8thCentral3rd4141.50020Lost First round (Cavaliers) 4–1
Eastern1stCentral1st6220.756Won First round (Pacers) 4–1
Won conference semifinals (Hawks) 4–2
Lost conference finals (Heat) 4–1
Derrick Rose (MVP)[46]
Tom Thibodeau (COY)[47]
Gar Forman (EOY)
Tom Thibodeau
Eastern1stCentral1st5016.758Lost First round (76ers) 4–2
Eastern5thCentral 2nd45374Won First round (Nets) 4–3
Lost conference semifinals (Heat) 4–1
Eastern4thCentral 2nd48348Lost First round (Wizards) 4–1Joakim Noah (DPOY)
Eastern3rdCentral 2nd50323Won First round (Bucks) 4–2
Lost conference semifinals (Cavaliers) 4–2
Jimmy Butler (MIP)
Joakim Noah (JWKC)
Eastern9thCentral 4th424015Fred Hoiberg
Eastern8thCentral 4th414110Lost First round (Celtics) 4–2
Eastern13thCentral5th275523
Eastern13thCentral4th226038Fred Hoiberg
Jim Boylen
Eastern11thCentral3rd224330Jim Boylen
Eastern11thCentral3rd314118Billy Donovan
Eastern6thCentral2nd46367Lost First round (Bucks) 4–1
Eastern9thCentral3rd404218
Eastern9thCentral4th394310

All-time records

Note: Statistics are correct as of the .

StatisticWinsLossesWin%
Chicago Bulls regular season record2,3832,297
Chicago Bulls postseason record187162
All-time regular and postseason record2,5702,459

Sources

Notes and References

  1. Sachare, pp. 2–7.
  2. Web site: Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. October 4, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20111004161136/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/. live.
  3. News: Jordan: A Career Of Highlights. CBS News. January 12, 1999. October 1, 2008. February 12, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090212152600/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/1999/01/12/archive/main28160.shtml. live.
  4. Web site: Chicago Bulls History. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive. September 4, 2008. November 4, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121104175906/http://www.nba.com/bulls/history/Chicago_Bulls_History-24393-42.html. live.
  5. Sachare, pp. 123–131.
  6. Sachare, pp. 26–27.
  7. Web site: Chicago Bulls All Star Selections . 2022-04-19 . 2022-04-19 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220419221633/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/all_star.html . live .
  8. Web site: Michael Jordan. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive. September 26, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20060902114359/http://www.nba.com/history/players/jordan_bio.html. September 2, 2006. dead.
  9. Web site: Bulls Set Record With 70th Win. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive. September 21, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20081225100301/http://www.nba.com/history/bulls70_moments.html. December 25, 2008. dead.
  10. Web site: Top 10 Teams in NBA History. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive. September 5, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20130502092015/http://www.nba.com/history/toptenteams_index.html. May 2, 2013. dead.
  11. Web site: Scott Burrell Player Info. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive. October 5, 2008. February 10, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090210065942/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/scott_burrell/. live.
  12. Web site: Bulls, Suns assistant GM Del Negro agree on deal. October 7, 2008. June 10, 2008. ESPN.com. October 24, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20081024095739/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3433896. live.
  13. Web site: Bulls to pick first in draft; Heat, Wolves round out Top 3. May 21, 2008. ESPN.com. September 26, 2008. October 17, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20081017164510/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/news/story?id=3405648. live.
  14. News: Derrick Rose: Number 1 Draft Pick By Chicago Bulls. July 2, 2008. The Huffington Post. June 26, 2008. July 1, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080701094138/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/26/derrick-rosenumber-1-draf_n_109512.html. live.
  15. News: Celtics avoid overtime, advance past Bulls 109-99 in Game 7. USA Today. May 2, 2009. June 3, 2009. February 12, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110212011908/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2009-05-02-celtics-bulls_N.htm. live.
  16. News: MVP Rose, Thibodeau, Taj's dunk stand out in Bulls' season. Chicago Sun-Times. Joe. Cowley. May 29, 2011. May 29, 2011. May 30, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110530225312/http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/bulls/5635276-579/mvp-rose-thibodeau-tajs-dunk-stand-out-in-bulls-season.html. live.
  17. Web site: 1966–67 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. August 6, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080806211822/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1967.html. live.
  18. Web site: 1967–68 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. August 18, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080818202821/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1968.html. live.
  19. Web site: 1969–70 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. August 18, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080818201522/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1970.html. live.
  20. Web site: 1970–71 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. September 15, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080915233323/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1971.html. live.
  21. Web site: 1971–72 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008.
  22. Web site: 1972–73 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. August 18, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080818203002/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1973.html. live.
  23. Web site: 1973–74 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. July 20, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220720002921/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1974.html. live.
  24. Web site: 1974–75 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. August 18, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080818202657/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1975.html. live.
  25. Web site: 1976–77 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. August 31, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080831092752/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1977.html. live.
  26. Web site: 1980–81 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. September 15, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080915224042/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1981.html. live.
  27. Web site: 1984–85 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. November 19, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20111119234832/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1985.html. live.
  28. Web site: 1985–86 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. September 14, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080914005707/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1986.html. live.
  29. Web site: 1986–87 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. September 7, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080907071255/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1987.html. live.
  30. Web site: 1987–88 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. May 15, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220515034842/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1988.html. live.
  31. Web site: 1988–89 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. June 2, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210602045912/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1989.html. live.
  32. Web site: 1989–90 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. June 3, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210603113654/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1990.html. live.
  33. Web site: 1990–91 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. March 29, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190329033311/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1991.html. live.
  34. Web site: 1991–92 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. April 21, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090421141151/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1992.html. live.
  35. Web site: 1992–93 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. September 13, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080913195510/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1993.html. live.
  36. Web site: 1993–94 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. September 14, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080914044747/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1994.html. live.
  37. Web site: 1994–95 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. June 3, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210603044939/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1995.html. live.
  38. Web site: 1995–96 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. April 15, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090415033243/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1996.html. live.
  39. Web site: Chicago Bulls Retired Numbers. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive. October 4, 2008. October 17, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20081017145822/http://www.nba.com/bulls/history/retired_numbers.html. live.
  40. Web site: 1996–97 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. January 20, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210120165308/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1997.html. live.
  41. Web site: 1997–98 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. September 13, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080913233849/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/1998.html. live.
  42. Web site: 2004–05 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. September 13, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080913233855/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/2005.html. live.
  43. Web site: 2005–06 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008. September 14, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080914185050/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/2006.html. live.
  44. Web site: 2006–07 Chicago Bulls. basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. September 4, 2008.
  45. Web site: Bulls' Rose claims Rookie of the Year honors. NBA.com. Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. April 22, 2009. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090424064842/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/04/22/rose.rookieofyear.ap.ap/. April 24, 2009.
  46. Web site: Chicago's Derrick Rose Wins 2010-11 Kia NBA MVP Award. May 3, 2011. NBA.com. May 3, 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110507022748/http://www.nba.com/2011/news/05/03/mvp-award/index.html. May 7, 2011.
  47. Web site: Chicago's Tom Thibodeau named 2010-11 NBA Coach of the Year. May 1, 2011. NBA.com. May 1, 2011. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110504130647/http://www.nba.com/2011/news/05/01/thibodeau-coach-of-the-year/index.html. May 4, 2011.